Evaluation of the efficacy of different strategies to treat anemia in Mexican children

Children consumed on a daily basis during 4 months one of the following treatments: 1.- A standard ferrous sulfate supplement made in liquid solution. The daily dosage was 1mL containing ferrous sulfate (20mg). 2.- A daily iron and folic acid recommendation of UNICEF to treat anemia in a liquid solution. The daily dosage was 1mL containing iron (12.5mg) and folic acid (50ug). 3.- A multiple micronutrients supplement following a formula designed to treat anemia in indigenous population in Mexico. The daily dosage was 1mL containing iron (10mg), zinc (10mg), thiamine (0.6mg), Riboflavin (0.55mg), pyridoxin (0.75mg), vitamin B12 (0.55 ug), folic acid (37.5ug) and vitamin C (30mg). 4.- A powdered complementary food designed for a national program in Mexico (Oportunidades program formerly called Progresa program). The powder was prepared with a small amount of water to form a porridge which was eaten with the help of a spoon. The daily dosage was 44g containing iron (2.5mg), zinc (2mg), thiamine (0.18mg), riboflavin (0.32mg), vitamin B12 (0.42ug), folic Acid (10.1ug), vitamin C (2.4mg), vitamin A (330UI), vitamin E (2.5mg), vitamin D (100UI), vitamin B6 (0.2mg), vitamin K (6ug), niacin (2.3mg), pantothenic acid (0.6mg), biotin (4ug), calcium (200mg), phosphorus (160mg), magnesium (20mg), iodine (38ug), manganese (0.26mg), cupper (0.18mg), potassium (300mg) ahd chloride (220mg). 5.- A drink water product fortified with iron, zinc and ascorbic acid developed by Procter and Gamble (Cincinnati, OH). Water should be consumed when giving drinking water and when cooking for the child, there was no specified dose. 1L of watter contained iron (7.5mg), zinc (6.25mg) and vitamin C (50mg).